From: "Kim Auletta" <kim.auletta**At_Symbol_Here**STONYBROOK.EDU>
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 11:49:15 AM
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Academic Facilities: Undergrads in research labs - restrictions?

We are working on updating our Chemical Hygiene Plan. I'm clarifying/strengthening the "working alone" section. I've separated the requirements into 4 groups - HS students, undergrads, grads and above and clinical fellows (MDs in labs). When working with hazardous materials, I've restricted HS students to constant supervision, UG to someone else (fully trained) within lab/earshot, grads+ can work alone w/ PI approval & clinical to "buddy system" (someone who will check on them, but they don't have to be in lab).

 

I'm getting some comments from PIs on the draft policy about the undergrads that is surprising.

 

I'd like to know what other universities have in writing for "working alone" policies, and specifically for UG students conducting independent research in labs with hazardous materials (chem, bio, rad). I'm looking for something more than the "working alone should be avoided" statements - we all have that & know its an unsafe condition & industry would never allow it.

 

I appreciate your insight & guidance as usual!

 

I'll compile responses that come directly to me.

Kim Gates Auletta

Laboratory Safety Specialist

Environmental Health & Safety

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY 11794-6200

kim.auletta**At_Symbol_Here**stonybrook.edu

631-632-3032

FAX: 631-632-9683

EH&S Web site: http:​//www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/lab/